DONCASTER ROVERS: Chris Brown aiming for winning return to PNE

Steve Hossack
Doncaster Rovers

DONCASTER Rovers striker Chris Brown will need no introduction to Preston North End fans in the match at Deepdale tomorrow.

The 28 year-old Doncaster-born forward, spent over three years at the Lancashire club, whom he had joined from Sunderland for a fee of £325,000, and made over 100 appearances for the Lilywhites prior to joining Rovers 18 months ago.

“When I first went there I did really well and we got to the play-offs,” he recalled.

It will be Brown’s first time back at Deepdale and he told The Star that he is looking forward to it. “It will be nice to go back but it’s all changed as regards the squad since I was there,” he said. “There are one or two young lads who are still there from my time at the club but I think that’s about it. They’ve got a new manager and it’s a new side now.”

Graham Westley’s team will be looking to complete the double over Rovers having beaten them 3-1 at the Keepmoat Stadium in early October. “They looked a decent side on the night,” recalled Brown, who partnered Billy Paynter in attack, as he is likely to be the case in the return.

“They were well organised and they were a threat from set-pieces. They were on a good run at the time and it looked as though they were really going to kick on more than they have, though I think they’ve had a few injuries.

“It’s going to be a tough game and as well as countering their threat from set pieces we are going to have to match them physically.

“But we’ve done well away from home this season and we’ve proved hard to beat and we’ll be going there looking to pick up the three points and end the year on a positive note.

“On a personal note I’m pleased with how it’s gone. I’ve managed to keep myself fit after having an injury hit first season back at the club (he spent much of the 2003-04 season on loan from Sunderland) and I’ve scored eight goals and probably should have had a few more.

“I’ve been happy with my form but you can always do better and that’s what I will be looking to do because we all want to see the club promoted.”

As well as Brown, fellow striker Iain Hume also has Preston connections and is still on their books despite being told in the summer that he has no future at the club.

Hume is set to stay on loan until the end of the season but, as was the case when the Lilywhites played at the Keepmoat Stadium, he will be ineligible to play on Saturday under the terms of his loan deal.

“We’ll obviously miss him because he’s done well while he’s been here,” said Brown.

Rovers will go into the game buoyed by their late 2-1 win at Oldham on Boxing Day, whereas Preston were held to a 0-0 draw by lowly Bury at Deepdale.